Computer Science - BSc (Hons) Degree

Foundation Year (Year 0)

This programme can incorporate a Foundation Year, which is intended for students wishing to enrol onto the three-year honours degree, who fall into one of the following categories:

1. Students who have not achieved the required A-Level points (or equivalent) score to enter the first year of the degree programme.
2. Mature students who have been out of the formal education system for some time.

Further information about the Foundation Year can be found by clicking here.

Degree

The Computer Science degree programme is comprised of a number of compulsory modules, with a range of options in the second and final year to develop your specific interests and expertise.

Students also have the option to complete a year-long placement in industry between Years 2 and 3.

Modules are 20 credits, unless specified.

Year 1:

Students follow 120 credits of core modules:

• Principles of Programming
  
• Architectures & Operating Systems
  
• Building for the Web
  
• Technology & Society
  
• Computational Thinking
  
• Developing Quality Software & Systems I
  
  

Year 2:

Students follow 100 credits of compulsory modules, with a choice of one 20 credit optional module.

Compulsory modules:

• Physical Computing
  
• Object-Oriented System Design
  
• Data & Knowledge Management
  
• Developing Quality Software & Systems II
  
• Research and Professional Skills
  

Optional modules (one of the following):

• Multimedia & Interaction
  
• Mobile & Web Technologies
  
• Networks & Communications
  
• Law & Digital Security
• Concepts in Artificial Intelligence
  

Year 3:

Students follow 100 credits of compulsory modules, with a choice of one 20 credit optional module.

Compulsory modules:

• Computer Science Dissertation Project (40 credits) OR Development Project (BCS) (40 credits)
  
• Professional & Ethical Issues in IT
  
• Computational Intelligence
  
• Cyber Security and Cryptography
  

Optional modules (one of the following):

• Advanced Programming
  
• Parallel & Distributed Systems
  
• Advanced Multimedia
  
• Analytics & Business Intelligence
  
• Mobile Game Development
• Social Humanoid Robotics
  
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  
• Industrial Work Experience (Placement)
  

Note: Optional modules are subject to availability and demand; as such not all optional modules may run in one Academic Year. 

Pathways

Students who wish to follow a pathway are required to take a 20 credit pathway specialist module in Years 2 and 3. These modules are defined as follows:

Artificial Intellingence:

• Year 2: Concepts in Artificial Intelligence
• Year 3: Computational Intelligence

Data Analytics:

• Year 2: Data & Knowledge Management
• Year 3: Analytics & Business Intelligence

Mobile Computing:

• Year 2: Mobile & Web Technologies
• Year 3: Mobile Game Development
  

Robotics:

• Year 2: Physical Computing
• Year 3: Social Humanoid Robotics
  

Students would also be required to complete their 40 credit dissertation project in a topic related to their pathway specialism.

A student-centred approach to learning and teaching is encouraged through the use of a broad range of teaching strategies, including: lectures, tutorials, seminars, technical labs, reflective blogs, individual and group projects, further enhanced by real world case studies and guest lectures from industry experts and supported by our Moodle virtual learning environment.

Due to the nature of the programme, practical labs and workshops are key to developing students’ technical understanding and abilities, underpinned by solid theoretical foundations. Students are expected to further develop their knowledge and understanding through directed self-study and independent learning time -- in additional to the timetabled delivery -- so as to develop a professional portfolio of project work and software artefacts as they move into graduate employment, for example through blogging and on GitHub.

Students are supported academic and pastorally by the Programme Team, led by the Programme Director. Each student is also appointed a Personal Tutor from within the School, who provides a point of contact for general academic and pastoral issues.

The Department has an active Student Computing Society and an official Students’ Union society, which provide a wide range of events, activities and field trips throughout the academic year. 

The assessment strategy for the programme varies to ensure the most appropriate method for each specific module and subject area. Most modules are assessed through a combination of methods, such as formal examinations, practical programming assignments, written assignments, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, peer assessments and work-based placements. Thus, in addition to formal examinations and assessments at the end of the module, you will be continuously assessed and given feedback on your progress and development throughout the year i.e. through both formative and summative assessment.

The primary aim of this degree programme is to develop theoretical understanding of the key concepts of computing, software and systems. It will showcase the wider impact and importance of software and technology to both society as well as the UK and global digital economy, alongside developing highly transferable computational thinking, analytical and problem solving skills, as well as a broad range of software development skills.

This degree programme is in the process of being accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT – the body that champions the global IT profession with more than 70,000 members worldwide. This degree programme satisfies the educational requirements for professional membership and chartered status (on successful completion of industry experience at the appropriate level of seniority).

Computer Science graduates will find a wide variety of career opportunities across both the traditional IT and telecoms sector, as well as the majority of the other industrial sectors (both public and private), including the digital/creative industries, financial and professional services, advanced manufacturing, engineering and management consultancy. Real world experience can be obtained as part of your study by completing an optional sandwich year placement / industrial internship. Over the past few years, our students have been successful in obtaining placements in nationally competitive schemes with Microsoft, HP, General Electric and the Met Office.

On successful completion of this degree programme, there are also further taught postgraduate study options across computing and information systems here at Cardiff Met, as well as research and PhD programmes.

Foundation route:

Applicants will preferably have a minimum of five GCSE passes including English Language and Mathematics* at grade C or above (grade 4 or above for applicants holding newly reformed GCSEs in England) and 32 UCAS Tariff Points from at least 1 A level (or equivalent).

Degree:

Five GCSE passes including English Language and Mathematics* at grade C or above (grade 4 or above for applicants holding newly reformed GCSEs in England), plus 96 points from at least two A levels (or equivalent).  

Typical offers may include:

• 96 points from two A levels to include grades CC. Welsh Baccalaureate – Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate considered as the third subject

• RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma/Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma MMM
• 96 points from Irish Leaving Certificate at Highers to include 2 x H2, minimum H4 grade at Higher counted towards points offer
• 96 points from at least two Scottish Advanced Highers to include DD grades. Scottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers
• 96 points from the Access to Higher Education Diploma

*For Welsh applicants sitting the reformed Mathematics GCSE, we will accept either GCSE Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy.

We are delighted to receive applications from students who have studied Computer Science at GCSE or A-Level (often called Computing by the examination boards) and we will give due consideration to them. Currently, only a minority of students have had a chance to study Computer Science (especially at GCSE), so do not worry if you have not had the opportunity.

If you are studying combinations of the above, or if your qualification isn't listed, please either contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search for entry requirements. Further information on our entry requirements, including qualifications from the EU can be found by clicking here.

Applicants holding an Edexcel Higher Award (HNC/HND) with a significant Computing or Software Engineering content may be able to complete the course within one or two years. It is possible to top-up from an ordinary to an honours degree if you have a UWIC or Cardiff Met awarded degree. Please contact Admissions if you wish to enter via these routes.

International Applicants
Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.0 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website.

Selection Procedure:
Selection is usually on the basis of a completed UCAS application and where relevant an interview.

How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made online to UCAS at www.ucas.com. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer into year 2 & 3

If you are interested in transferring credit from another institution to study at Cardiff Met for a course which accepts entry for year 2 and/or 3, you can find further information on this and information on how to apply on the RPL page. Please contact Admissions for any queries that you have on RPL.

Mature students

A mature applicant is anyone over the age of 21 who didn't go to university after school or college. Cardiff Met welcomes applications from mature applicants and further advice and information can be found here.

For general enquiries, please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Director, Dr Thanuja Mallikarachchi:
Email: TMallikarachchi@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Tel: 029 2041 7207